San Antonio de los Alemanes, Madrid, Spain

San Antonio de los Alemanes church was built in the Baroque style and was designed by Pedro Sánchez. The highly decorative High Altar and three side altars belong to the 18th century and were commissioned by the last Habsburg kings of Spain.

The church was built in the 1620s-1630s by King Felipe III along with a hostel and hospital for the Portuguese migrants who moved to Madrid when Portugal was under Spanish rule. For this reason it was originally called Hospital de los Portugueses. When Portugal gained independence, Phillip IV's Queen, Mariana de Austria, dedicated the refuge to German immigrants, and changed names.

King Phillip V gave the administration of the church over to the Hermandad del Refugio (Fraternity of Sanctuary), and this group continues to manage it today, offering food and shelter to the homeless of Madrid.

The church houses frescos by Luca Giordano and Francisco Ricci. The prolific Neopolitan painter Giordano was court painter (1692-1702) to Charles II of Spain, and active for the Royal Palace and the Buen Retiro Palace.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Spain

User Reviews

Rachelle Carter (2 months ago)
The church is small, so easy to tour. The crypt is very tiny. The artwork in the church is worth the stop.

xin wong (3 months ago)
Beautiful church! It was mass time and no one was allowed in, not even close to the glass door ?(but the woman let the other tourists in??maybe because they looked like Christian). The woman at the service was very rude ?? She rolled her eyes, thank god I went back and rolled my eyes back at her several times

Dimitris Ladas (6 months ago)
The Church of Saint Anthony of the German (San Antonio de los Alemanes) in Madrid is a hidden gem that leaves a lasting impression. From the outside, it may appear modest, but stepping inside reveals one of the city’s most breathtaking baroque interiors. The church’s walls and dome are adorned with stunning frescoes that create an almost immersive experience, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Anthony and other religious figures in exquisite detail. The colors and intricate artwork give the illusion of depth and movement, making it feel like the entire space is alive with history and artistry. The church's intimate size enhances the experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the details without distraction. The sense of peace and grandeur combined makes this a must-see for art and history lovers alike. It’s an awe-inspiring and serene retreat that provides a unique glimpse into Madrid’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Ian J (6 months ago)
I read somewhere that this is currently Madrid's best kept secret, well it might not be for much longer. This is an assault on the senses, I'm tempted not to post any photos to not ruin the surprise for you. 5 euros entry each and it includes an audio guide - come on! The building is VERY plain on the outside and doesn't even look that old, tucked down a side street. Do check opening times first, maybe even make this the first religious establishment you visit. Just sit in quiet contemplation and take it all in.

carloscharmy (9 months ago)
The Iglesia de San Antonio de los Alemanes in Madrid is a delightful spot for a short visit, taking about 30 minutes to an hour with the audioguide. Though the entrance fee of 5 euros might seem steep to some given the church's small size, it offers a charming and enriching experience. The highlight is undoubtedly the stunning frescoes that adorn the walls and ceiling, allowing visitors to soak in the beauty and artistry of this hidden gem. Overall, it’s a lovely place to admire the intricate artwork and enjoy a peaceful moment in the heart of the city.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Following Hadrian

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

San Antonio de los Alemanes

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople